Head Of Finance / Finance Manager

Finance

• Emirates Hills

Head Of Finance / Finance Manager

Dubai, UAE

Central Services - Finance

Role Overview

This Is a Build-and-lead Finance Role, Combining

• Financial operations and reporting
• Department setup and structure design
• Systems implementation and integration
• Project finance and PMO coordination
• Commercial and operational support
• Depending on experience, you will either:
• Lead and shape the finance function at group level, or dive execution, setup, and day-to-day operations within a growing structure.

• Finance Operations & Control

• Oversee full accounting cycle: GL, AP/AR, payroll, treasury, reconciliations
• Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close across multiple entities
• Prepare consolidated financials and management reporting
• Implement and enforce financial controls, approval matrices, and reporting standards

• Budgeting, Planning & Commercial Support

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and reforecast cycles
• Develop financial models, feasibility studies, and scenario planning for new concepts
• Conduct variance analysis and provide actionable insights
• Support pricing, menu engineering, and cost optimisation across F&B operations

• Tax, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with UAE VAT, corporate tax, ESR, and IFRS
• Manage audits, filings, and regulatory requirements
• Establish internal controls, SOPs, and governance frameworks across all entities

• Cash Flow, Treasury & Banking

• Oversee group-wide cash flow planning and working capital management
• Lead setup and management of bank accounts across multiple entities
• Establish payment processes, signatory structures, and banking mandates
• Manage relationships with banks, lenders, and financial institutions
• Implement robust cash control and liquidity frameworks

• ERP, POS & Financial Systems

• Lead implementation and optimisation of ERP and financial systems
• Ensure full integration across POS, inventory, procurement, and accounting systems
• Develop scalable reporting tools and dashboards
• Train teams on systems and financial processes

• Procurement, Purchasing & Cost Control Oversight

• Oversee governance across procurement and purchasing functions
• Implement supplier onboarding, approval hierarchies, and purchasing controls
• Ensure integration between procurement, inventory, and finance systems
• Monitor supplier terms, pricing, and cost efficiency across all units
• Support margin optimisation and operational cost control

• Accounting Structure & Financial Framework Setup

• Design and implement the full accountancy structure across all entities
• Develop and standardise the Chart of Accounts
• Establish reporting templates, consolidation frameworks, and intercompany structures
• Ensure scalability for multi-brand and multi-entity expansion

• Administration, PRO & Corporate Structuring Oversight

• Provide financial oversight across administration and PRO functions
• Support company formation, trade licences, regulatory registrations, and renewals
• Ensure alignment between corporate structuring, licensing, and financial setup
• Track and manage costs related to government fees, licences, and compliance
• PMO Liaison & Project Finance / Controls
• Work closely with the PMO and Project Delivery teams on all active developments
• Oversee financial management of projects, including budget tracking and cost control
• Support tender processes, bid evaluations, and commercial reviews
• Establish and manage project payment processes, including certifications and approvals
• Control financial documentation related to projects, contracts, and variations
• Monitor project cash flow, capex spend, and financial risk
• Ensure alignment between project delivery timelines and financial reporting
• Business Partnering
• Partner with Operations, PMO, HR, Procurement, and Brand teams
• Provide P&L oversight and performance analysis across outlets and concepts
• Support new openings, commercial decisions, and strategic initiatives
• Evaluate investments, JV structures, and expansion opportunities

• Finance Function Setup & Scale

• Foundation Phase
• Build finance department structure, roles, and reporting lines
• Establish SOPs, workflows, and approval frameworks
• Set up financial systems, banking structures, and reporting templates
• Recruit, onboard, and train finance and admin teams

• Pre-Opening & Launch Support

• Lead financial setup for new outlets (costing, POS setup, reporting structures)
• Implement outlet-level reporting from day one
• Support stocktakes, inventory controls, and operational stabilisation

• Scale-Up & Expansion

• Prepare finance function for multi-brand, multi-entity growth
• Standardise reporting, controls, and cost structures across all units
• Support long-term strategic planning and regional expansion

Candidate Profile

• We are intentionally open to both senior and mid-level candidates, but the following is essential:
• Strong experience in SME or high-growth environments
• Background in hospitality, F&B, retail, or multi-unit operations
• Proven ability to build systems, structures, and teams from scratch
• Hands-on experience with ERP implementation and process design
• Experience working with PMO and project-driven environments
• Strong understanding of UAE financial regulations and compliance frameworks
• Commercially minded with strong attention to detail and ownership

Experience Guidelines

Why This Role

• Opportunity to build a finance function from the ground up
• Direct involvement in projects, openings, and expansion strategy
• Exposure to a diversified, multi-brand platform
• High level of ownership, autonomy, and impact

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; ACCA / CPA / CA preferred.
• 7–10 years of multi-entity finance experience, ideally within hospitality, F&B, retail, or lifestyle sectors.
• Strong experience in department setup, ERP implementation, and pre-opening finance.
• Deep understanding of UAE VAT, corporate tax, IFRS, WPS, and governance frameworks.
• Proven leadership experience managing finance teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
• High proficiency in Excel and financial modelling.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments with strong ownership and accuracy.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Department

Finance

• Emirates Hills

Head Of Finance / Finance Manager